THE Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and other civil societies across the country on Friday commemorated the International Peace Day, calling on Nigerians to work for peace particularly ahead of the 2019 general elections.
The tradition of commemorating the World Peace Day every 21st of September around the globe was declared 70 years ago.
Marking the 2018 edition on Friday, the CEPEJ team was at Minna, Niger State in collaboration with other Civil Society Organizations, coordinated by Development Initiatives of West Africa (DIWA) amongst others.
The peace ambassadors kick-started the walk from Mobil Filling Station roundabout through Obasanjo Complex, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar Way to Government House Minna with full participation of over 17 Civil Society Organizations, pupils and students from various schools in attendance.
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The team, led by CEPEJ’s National Coordinator, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, arrived Niger State Government House and was received by the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Ladan, Commissioner for Environment, Idris Jibril Amin and the Permanent Secretary Government House, Mrs Hagiya Safiya Bawa.
Comrade Sheriff Mulade, while delivering his speech at Government House, commended the civil society organizations for the large turnout to contribute and support government’s efforts to make the day a remarkable one.
He expressed his sincere appreciation to the Niger State government under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello for his environmental friendliness, security and advocacy for peaceful coexistence.
The CEPEJ coordinator also seized the opportunity to notify the governor of the 9th annual International Conference slated for 6th November 2018 at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Centre, Government House, Minna and then presented the Organisation’s newsletter and invitation card to the SSG, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Ladan.
In his response, the SSG, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Ladan commended CEPEJ and other CSOs for their efforts especially Comrade Sheriff Mulade for coordinating and mobilizing Nigerlites for this year’s world peace day, and equally charged and implored the youths to emulate Comrade Sheriff Mulade as an advocate of Peace.
He announced the government’s determination towards providing adequate security, environmental sustainability and peaceful coexistence and assured of the State Government’s commitment towards achieving a successful CEPEJ conference.
